Diners' Choice: Great for outdoor dining restaurants in Connecticut

OpenTable

Updated October 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are great for outdoor dining in Connecticut? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Chef Luis Restaurant and Boquitas Bar

4.7

4.7 (32)

$31 to $50

Continental

New Canaan

About the restaurant

Chef Luis is a vibrant restaurant serving unique, creative fare influenced by flavors from around the world. No matter what cuisine you fancy, Chef Luis Lopez, one of New Canaan’s most beloved local chefs, has cultivated a contemporary global menu bursting with clean, fresh ingredients. Set amidst a warm atmosphere, be treated to the passion and richness of an international culinary celebration, right here in your backyard!

Top review

Howardvip

Dined on Aug 12, 2024

Chicken fajitas were wonderful. Came with all the trimmings, served piling hot with tasty tacos. Salads were good. No complaints as service was much better than during our last visit a week ago. Good value as well.

Boqueria West Hartford

4.7

4.7 (40)

$30 and under

Spanish

West Hartford

About the restaurant

A lively, Barcelona-inspired tapas bar serving Spanish classics, seasonal specials, and curated cocktails in a vibrant and contemporary space.

Top review

Dante

Dined 6 days ago

A bit loud. Staff were a little disorganized. Food was pretty good.

B J Ryan's Banc House

4.6

4.6 (150)

$30 and under

Barbecue

Norwalk

About the restaurant

Please call the restaurant for reservations.
Welcome! Feel right at home with Great Food, wonderful people and a warm fun atmosphere. Serving the Best Regional BBQ and Crab Favorites, Seafood, Appetizers, Sides and Desserts, The BANC House brings new flavor to Norwalk, but doesn’t lose that BJ Ryan's Fun.

Top review

OpenTable Dinervip

Dined on Jul 16, 2024

Our server Aaron was great and always love the crab legs!!

High George by Siena

4.6

4.6 (4)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

New Haven

About the restaurant

Guidelines:
1hr 30min table limit for parties of 2
2hr table limit for parties of 3 or more
Parties of 8 or more please call to reserve

Top review

Kate

Dined on Aug 22, 2024

This has become one of our new favorite places to go. Great atmosphere, delicious seasonal food and drink menu.

Boca Grille & Raw Bar at H Smith Richardson Golf Course - Fairfield

4.5

4.5 (156)

$30 and under

American

Bridgeport

About the restaurant

Customers can look forward to Boca’s popular seafood favorites such as lobster rolls, ahi tuna tacos, market-fresh fish, and raw bar selections, in addition to casual fare that includes wings, nachos, juicy burgers, hearty sandwiches, and fresh salads. The dinner menu features lobster ravioli, rack of lamb, miso-glazed Chilean seabass, and Boca’s signature 50 oz cowboy bone-in ribeye for 2. Craft beer, a curated global wine list, martinis, and creative premium cocktails round out the offerings. Boca Grille and Raw Bar provide the food service for the entire operation throughout the day, from early morning breakfast for golfers and snack bar carts on the golf course to lunch and dinner menus and custom events. The restaurant is family-friendly, offering Saturday and Sunday brunch, in addition to serving as a social respite over cocktails at the bar or on the patio, all overlooking the golf course.

Top review

Steven

Dined on Sep 14, 2024

Food is always good. Nice atmosphere sitting outside overlooking the 18th hole.

Bacari Social

4.5

4.5 (123)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Westbrook

About the restaurant

Bacari Social, located in Westbrook Safe Harbor Pilot's Point Marina is a Seasonal waterside restaurant specializing in fresh seafood, unique small plates, and plentiful sandwiches and entrees! Our restaurant offers ample waterside views inside and outside while you enjoy our creative cocktails, extensive wine list, and fresh menu options.

Top review

Frank

Dined on Aug 28, 2024

Michelle was an EXCELLENT Server. Attention to detail, The Chef made a change for Our guest. All around Super evening. Including spectacular Sunset. Will return next year. Thank you. F and F

Harbor Lights

4.4

4.4 (791)

$30 and under

Seafood

East Norwalk

About the restaurant

Harbor Lights is the premier seafood house located in East Norwalk, CT. Located on the Norwalk Harbor, it offers well-prepared, attractively presented and sophisticated fare. Open year round, the glassed-in terrace allows for a comfortably heated dining experience in the winter without losing the outside dining experience in the summer. Our long dock in front of the restaurant provides plenty of room for boaters to tie up for lunch or dinner, and the dining room affords fantastic sunset views. Harbor Lights has been bringing the fresh refined flavors of the Mediterranean to Diners in Fairfield County for over a decade. The Prime sunset seating and views of the Harbor, the breeze, the um-brella-bedecked outdoor patio, unparalleled service and incredible food make this waterfront spot hard to resist.

Please Note: We Do Not Guarantee Specific Tables. We Do Not Guarantee Waterfront, Window or Deck Seating.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Sep 20, 2024

Ordered the two specials of surf and turf, and lobster with mushroom ravioli… food was done very well, presentation was great and extremely tasty. Calamari is some of the best I’ve ever had. Best outdoor dining experience in Norwalk by far. Nicole the waitress was very nice, and the owners genuinely want you to leave the restaurant satisfied.

Portobello - West Hartford

4.4

4.4 (24)

$31 to $50

Italian

West Hartford

About the restaurant

We are a family-owned Italian restaurant located in the vibrant community of West Hartford, CT. Our passion for authentic Italian cuisine is reflected in every dish we serve.

Top review

Robert

Dined on Sep 20, 2024

Portobello has become our favorite restaurant. The menu selection is great and the food always AMAZING! The entire staff is top notch. An absolute must if dining in West Hartford.

80 Proof American Kitchen & Bar

4.2

4.2 (145)

$30 and under

American

New Haven

About the restaurant

80 Proof American Kitchen & Bar is a modern twist on classic fare with a focus on shareable plates, elevated bar food & approachable craft cocktails in a vibrant atmosphere with two bars, a large private patio, and multiple options for private dining and events.

Chef Sonia Salazar of Te Amo Tequila Bar & Barracuda Bistro & Bar delivers another delicious menu to the area. menu highlights include wonton tuna nachos, watermelon feta salad, short rib tacos, mussels in a lobster bisque, and the specialty drink menu features a seasonal selection of delicious summer cocktails with ingredients such as vodka, bourbon, tequila and gin with fresh watermelon, blackberries, basil & mint. Don't miss the Sunday Brunch from 11am - 3pm.

Our summer patio dining is an oasis in the center of the theater district with quick access to the Shubert Theater and College St. Music Hall.

Top review

Ayja

Dined 5 days ago

While it took quite some time to be seated, even with us having had a reservation our service with Ricky made up for it. He was very friendly, helpful and attentive. The food was good, however the drinks were weak. They definitely were not made with love…or much alcohol. It’s a decent spot with a fun ambiance. Much thanks to Ricky for being hospitable.

South Bay - Fairfield

3.9

3.9 (99)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Fairfield

About the restaurant

South Bay Fairfield (formally 55 Wine Bar & Wood Grille) is the creation of the Siguenza family, owners of JS Restaurant Group.

Our concept was designed to bring to Fairfield a place where people could find the ideal meeting place where everyone feels welcome and leaves feeling satisfied. Enjoy delicious Modern American cuisine with a Mediterranean flare, ample options for seafood and homemade pasta dishes, small plates and shares, a generous selection of fine, affordable wines, as well as a full bar. We are committed to serving delightfully satisfying, savory dishes paired with wines that complement the palate. South Bay Fairfield is the ultimate dining experience.

Private diners & events please contact - Nube Siguenza 203-243-9249

Top review

Melissavip

Dined 7 days ago

Great food, nice people great atmosphere and surroundings

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